No. 129.J 501 



in water and ready for the use of the trees. Frequent plowing 

 of orchards was recommended, and the raising of root crops by 

 liberal manuring was also recommended as a ready, cheap and 

 self-paying method of giving health to orchards. The loam, 

 leaves, &c., from woods were generally admitted to be useful for 

 orchards, being the results of decompositions of organisms not 

 dissimilar to fruit trees. 



Fruits of many kinds preserved by Mr. Curtis, of Massachu- 

 setts, were exhibited ; among them were several kinds of choice 

 pears of superior quality with all the fine flavor and beauty of 

 appearance of fruit freshly ripened. The process of Mr. Curtis 

 is as yet a secret, but it is hoped he may be induced to make it 

 public. Jelly from the Catawba grape was also exhibited having 

 all the flavor of the fresh grape, the mode of preparing which 

 will be made known in our May number. 



A quantity of Stowell's evergreen corn was distributed among 

 the members, and the subject of apples agreed to be continued for 

 the next meeting. On motion, the culture of pears was added, 

 and the Club adjourned to the third Tuesday of the month, 

 when the public is invited to attend. 



Mr. Van Wyck. — The apple tree may be said to be a native of 

 our country. The crab apple tree grows wild in many of our 

 forests. The crab apple, differing in size, flavor, and appearance, 

 — for there are many varieties of them — will grow well only in 

 a northern climate. Hence, our numerous kinds grow best, pro- 

 duce more abundantly, and of a finer quality, from 38 to 45 and 

 perhaps 50 degrees north, although most of those growing in our 

 country, no doubt, came from Europe, and consist of many dif- 

 ferent kinds, and some of the best qualities. We could have had 

 them here in time, in equal numbers and variety, by cultivation, 

 as we have now by exportation. We have their origin here, 

 the crab apple, from whence they all sprung in Europe, and 

 these, probably, finer and of more various kinds, than ever they 

 were there. Besides, it is admitted by most European writers on 

 fruits, that the apple in America prospers better in every way 

 than in any other country. This embraces longevity, cheapness 

 of raising them, abundance, variety and flavor. I agree with 



